Great Britain and Ireland fall just short

Great Britain and Ireland’s Vagliano Trophy run of defeats at the hands of Continental Europe was extended to five at Malone on the outskirts of Belfast at the weekend but they came desperately close to ending the barren spell.

In one of the most exciting Trophy contests of recent times the hosts, who have not won this biennial fixture since 2005, went down 12½-11½ to Europe after the second and final day honours were shared.